Welcome back to The Water Alchemist. I don't own any of the intellectual property of Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chapter Six
Faulty Memory
***
The air in the house was stale and cold. The interior was as lavish as the exterior, but it didn't boast a feeling of home. Cobwebs crowded the corners of the high ceilings, and as Tucker led us to the kitchen table, I couldn't help but notice the pile of dishes that overtook the sink.
"We're in desperate need of a womanly touch around here. It's been like this ever since my wife left. I apologize for the mess," Tucker commented. He looked at me when he said it as if to say he noticed my judgmental stare. I looked to the dusty floor embarrassedly and sat quietly in the chair next to Al. "So, I'm sure you already know, but I am Shou Tucker, the Sewing-Life Alchemist. It's a pleasure to meet you. What brings you all here?" He moved around the table, placing tea he had prepared in front of each of us.
"Edward and Alphonse would like to take a look at your research into bio alchemy, if at all possible," Mustang said.
"Sure, I don't see why not," Tucker said. Ed and Al breathed a sigh of relief, and I smiled. Tucker disrupted the early celebration. "However, I'd like to know something too. If I show you what's up my sleeve, I'd like the same in return. Simple equivalent exchange, the law we alchemists live by. Why are you interested in bio alchemy?" Mustang stammered, trying to keep the boys' secret, but Ed called him off.
"It's alright. I'll tell you," he said, prefacing his tale.
It was painfully obvious how desperate Edward was to find some answers, trusting his darkest secrets to this man. Ed explained down to the very last detail the taboo he and Al committed that fateful night. It was one thing to get it shot into your head after a dream, but it was another to hear the events told straight from the source. There was so much pain and anguish in his voice as if he were reliving it with every word. Al was silent as Ed showed their hand. He showcased his automail to solidify his story, and my breath hitched a little when I saw it. I couldn't help but stare at the shiny metal. It was the first time I had seen the arm in full, in real-time. The depth of detail of the real thing put my dreams imagery to shame. The way the light glinted from it, the deep and jagged scars that tore up the length of Ed's shoulder, the ridges, and divots of the automail; it was a sight I couldn't quite describe. It was apparent that he took care of it – the limb was glossy, polished to perfection – but it was also worn in some places, particularly the joints. There were noticeable nicks in the metal, likely from combat. What a marvel it was to be able to combine flesh and bone with silver and steel. What a gift, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of tragedy. It was hauntingly beautiful.
"Ah, I see. It seems you've had a bitter go of it, " Tucker said as Ed re-clothed himself and sat down. The boys and Mustang were silent. "And where do you fit in?"
Tucker directed his attention to me. The question caught me off guard. I had reserved myself not to get involved. I just wanted to observe and maybe find something on the stone. I didn't know how much they wanted me to disclose, especially to someone who I had a steady and uneasy feeling about from the start. I looked at Ed and Al, asking them what to do with my eyes.
"She's traveling with us," Ed said as if reading my mind.
Short, sweet, and to the point. I relaxed in my chair a bit.
"Any particular reason?" Tucker pressed.
"Well," Al began, but Ed interrupted.
"She has similar interests in bio alchemy. We're helping one another."
"Ah, I see. Well, you're welcome to look at my findings, though I'm not sure how helpful they'll be," he chuckled.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Tucker," Mustang said, and the rest of us followed in showing our gratitude.
Tucker showed us first to his lab. A constant low growl came from the cages filled with mutated animals called Chimeras. I opted to stay at the bottom of the staircase, not interested in the physicality of his alchemy. They discussed the Chimera he had made for his last certification, how it had talked, breaching the limits of Chimeras up until that point. The way he spoke about it gave me chills. I got a bit bold as they talked and removed myself from the wall to peek into one of the cages. I wanted to see the things he went on about myself. In the cage sat a large creature that looked like a cat from behind, its long tail swinging against the cage. I squatted to be level with the cage. Suddenly, the animal turned and cawed at me, its head full of flaring feathers. It resembled a parrot, and its caw startled me enough to send me back on my butt. It sauntered to the edge of the cage, sending my heart rate through the roof. It pawed at the metal bars of its confines as it continued cawing, a strained sound. Its red eyes darted around the room, and occasionally, investigated mine. I couldn't help but think the creature looked almost... sad. Its cawing ceased, and it laid down in front of me, gazing intently into my eyes. I started to reach my hand out to touch it, to pet the poor creature, when a voice boomed from across the room.
"Do not touch the Chimeras!" it called. As soon as the words hit my ears, my arm was grabbed away from the cage and I was forced to look directly at Tucker. "It's dangerous. You could have lost a hand." I couldn't speak. My voice had conveniently disappeared as the grip Tucker held on my arm became steadily crushing.
"Ow," I managed. He immediately let go and extended the hand he had grabbed me with. I took it warily as he helped me to my feet.
"Sorry, it's the father in me," he laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his head. "Don't want you getting hurt."
"Thanks," I said half-heartedly.
I looked at the creature that retreated to the back of the cage, besieged in darkness. Ed pulled me aside.
"Marina, what the hell?" he said in a hushed tone. "Are you trying to get hurt?"
"No, I just—"
"Look, just be more careful next time," he sighed. I looked to the floor and nodded as Tucker escorted us from the lab. As we walked through the long and winding hallways, Al caught up to me.
"Are you okay, Marina?" he asked in that gentle tone of his.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that— that Chimera looked really sad is all."
"Those cages were rather cramped looking," Al said, and I nodded.
"Al, can I tell you something?"
"Of course," he said, stopping so we fell just slightly behind the group, out of earshot.
"I know Tucker and Nina. It seems they don't know me, just like you and Ed. But something seems...off. About Tucker."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure. I just get a bad feeling when I'm with him," I said. Al seemed to take my concern seriously, and he digested my words. He hummed as he scratched his chin in thought.
"We'll have to keep an eye out then. As it is, we still need access to his library and research. We'd need something more concrete than a feeling," he said apologetically. I frowned and looked at the back of Tucker. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.
"Look, I know you probably don't trust me, and I don't blame you," I said, looking ahead at Tucker. I got an odd shiver up my spine. "Just, please be careful."
Al nodded and we rejoined the group, who was stopped in front of the grand doors of an even grander library. Every square inch of the expanse worked to house what seemed like endless shelves of books. We all stared in awe. Ed and Al immediately settled in between the tall shelves, like kids on Christmas morning. They were completely lost between the pages; they had disconnected from the world entirely.
"Marina," Tucker addressed me as the boys got to work. "Would you mind coming with me? I could use some help with Nina."
I could feel sweat form on the back of my neck, but as Al said, I couldn't do much about a hunch. I nodded. I noticed Al looked up from his book, and though he said nothing, I knew he was thinking about our conversation. I waved at him to assure him that I'd be fine. He nodded, took one last look at Tuckers disappearing back, and went on reading. We left the boys to their studies, and Mustang left the house.
***
Tucker, Nina, and I returned to the kitchen, where Tucker started on the pile of dishes. He asked me to help keep Nina company as he cleaned up a bit. It was a simple enough task, and Nina was a sweet girl, which made it that much easier. She focused on her drawing, and I was drawing along with her, talking aimlessly about our pictures.
"So, this is me," she pointed to the paper. "And Daddy, and Alexander, and Mommy!"
"Is that so?" I said as I took in her work, which was incredibly cohesive for a child her age. I looked at Tucker, who had his back to us. I could see a sliver of his reflection in the window. I turned my attention back to the picture to examine it. Nina's mother was far away from where she, Alexander, and Tucker stood. There were two houses behind both groups. "Nina, where is your mother?"
"She left us," Nina said simply. "Daddy said she moved back to her parents' house."
That explains the two homes, I thought. Tucker looked over his shoulder slightly, still washing. Something about the way his eyes darted around when Nina mentioned her mother bothered me. It was quiet save for the running of the tap. I smiled and handed Nina back her drawing, focusing again on my own.
"Marina, you have parents too, right? Where's your mommy?" she asked.
I looked up from my sketch – a few flowers blowing around in a great big field – into the large kind eyes of this little girl. Equivalent exchange ran deep within the values of the people of Amestris, it seemed, or at the very least in this house.
"Well, unfortunately, I don't remember them. I lost my memories."
"Lost them?" Nina asked. "Can't you just go find them?" The question was innocent enough, and I chuckled.
"I wish I could," I smiled sadly.
"Why can't you? Why don't you remember?" Nina frowned. I didn't want to lie, but I could feel Tucker staring, and I still didn't trust him.
"I fell and hit my head really hard. It was an accident, but it was a big one. But Ed and Al are here to help me get my memories back," hopefully, I thought. Her tiny eyebrows knit together in worry.
"Well, I can be your sister until you find your family, and Daddy can be your Daddy too! And, and I can help you look for your memory! I'm a really good seeker," she said excitedly. I chuckled nervously, not loving the thought of Tucker as my father. I didn't mind Nina, though.
"That sounds good Nina, thank you," I said. I wondered if I had a sister like her waiting for my return. "I'm sure I'll remember in no time with everyone's help." Tucker moved in a way that blocked his expression from my peripheral.
"Is that why they're working so hard in the library?" Nina asked sweetly.
"Partly, yes. Say, why don't we go check on them?" I asked. I looked at Tucker. "Would that be alright?" Tucker turned back to us and smiled.
"Sure, no problem. Let me know if you need anything," he said. I nodded as I began to usher Nina from the room, leaving our drawings behind in Tucker's care.
We navigated the labyrinth that was her home until we made it back to the library, where the boys were still engrossed in their studies.
"Nina," I said softly as the big blue eyes looked up to me. "Let's play spies." She nodded enthusiastically as I gently opened the door. I put a finger to my lips and let out a soft shhh sound, alerting Nina to be quiet so we could sneak up on them. She headed to spy on Al, and I roamed the shelves as stealthily as possible, peeking in on Ed. He looked lost in thought, almost peaceful.
Not for long, I thought. I looked through the shelves, but my vision was still partially blocked. I looked up the bookcase and a devilish idea popped into my head. I started scaling the shelf – relying on the fact that it would weigh a ton more than I did – and I climbed until I was atop the structure. It wasn't until I looked down that I realized my mistake. I was terrified of heights.
Shit, I cursed inwardly. Now isn't a great time to remember such a character flaw of mine, but that's how it goes when you lose your memory, I guess. I looked down on Ed, who seemed even smaller than usual, and I started feeling woozy. I wasn't prepared for the earthquake that came. Well, technically, it wasn't an earthquake, but the bookshelf I perched on shook violently as Al – who carried a delighted Nina on his shoulders playing horsey – ran into the shelf. Ed looked up at the commotion, and he and Al scattered as the bookshelf wobbled. I clung to the edge with all my might, willing the structure to steady itself. After a few grueling seconds, it did as I wished. I sighed in relief as I stood on unsteady legs.
"Marina? What are you doing up there?" Ed asked, startling me.
I took a step back as I turned to address the voice, and I lost my footing. Suddenly I was falling from the bookshelf. Ed and Al yelled in unison, and I slammed my eyes shut, preparing for impact. When it didn't come, I was confused. I opened my eyes and was immediately captivated by the red glow that surrounded me.
"Woah," I said to myself as I floated mid-air.
Ed and Al came running around the corner, Nina still high upon Al's shoulders. I could feel gravity begin to pull, and I tried to maneuver around so that my feet were under me. The glow dissipated as my feet touched the ground. The room was speechless. Al put Nina down as the group approached me.
"Are you alright?" Ed asked, grabbing my arm gingerly.
"Yeah," I nodded, a little shaken.
"Good," he sighed in relief. "Now what the hell possessed you to climb the bookshelf? You could have gotten hurt!" Ed released my arm and folded his own in disapproval. I brushed the place he had held with my hand.
"We were just trying to play spies," I said in our defense. Ed sighed again.
"Well, at least you're alright," Al said, holding Nina's hand.
She had been quiet the whole encounter, and I quickly stuffed the exposed necklace down my shirt. I walked up to Nina and crouched beside her. She looked nervous, placing a comforting thumb to her mouth.
"Are you alright, Nina?" I asked. She nodded slowly, and I smiled. I cuffed my hand and spoke softly, secretly. "I have superpowers, but you can't tell anyone, or I may lose them, okay? Can you do that for me?" A small smile enveloped her face. She nodded and held out her pinky.
"Pinky promise!" she exclaimed cheerfully. I held mine out, and we locked our pinkies with a shake.
***
Al had released Nina's hand and moved to his brothers' side as Marina talked to her.
"That was strange, right?" Al asked Ed, who seemed lost in thought.
"Yeah, no argument there. It seems like that's what happened when she fell from the sky," Ed reasoned, staring at the girl hunched down next to Nina.
"Oh, that's right! Maybe her stone kicks in when she's in trouble?" Al pondered.
It was a solid theory Ed considered, and they knew it applied to her falling at least. What else could her stone do? Did she willingly activate it? Or did it sense the danger all its own? Ed couldn't be sure. Marina stood then, and with Nina's hand in hers turned to face the brothers.
"Haven't you guys done enough for today?" she asked over her shoulder. Ed and Al looked at one another, knowing full well they could read far into the night.
"Let's play!" Nina squealed excitedly.
As if on cue, Alexander trampled Ed, which got him fired up. They took a break from their research to indulge Nina and Marina, and before long, it was dinnertime. Tucker had served a simple ham that Al didn't eat, sparking an uncomfortable conversation with Nina that he navigated quite well. He was used to that kind of scrutiny, after all. Ed had noticed that Marina was quiet most of the dinner, only speaking once or twice to Nina or Al. He wanted to question how she had managed to float like that. He knew it would have to wait. There were too many ears here. The conversation at the table mostly centered around what Ed and Al were able to discover, which wasn't much.
"Do you mind if we keep looking? I promise we'll be out of your hair soon, but there's just so much to digest," Ed said, excited about the research.
"I don't mind at all. I'm glad you boys are finding a use for it," Tucker replied. "After dinner, I'll show you to your rooms. I spent some time fixing them up, but they still may be messy."
"That's no problem at all," Ed said, waving him off. After dinner, the trio followed Tucker to their rooms. He showed Ed and Al their accommodations first, a room that was painted a navy blue and sported two twin beds.
"And Marina, you're right down the hall," Tucker said, leading the way.
"Uh, well, goodnight then, boys," she said hesitantly, as Tucker walked down the hall. Ed noticed there was a twinge of unease in her words. He furrowed his brows.
"Night. We're here if you need us," he assured her. She nodded as Al said goodnight, and she followed Tucker into the darkness. Ed closed the door and turned to Al, who had snuck a book from the library out to read. "Gonna spend the night studying, huh?" Ed asked as he plopped onto the bed.
"Yup," Al replied, turning a page. "I saw something in this book about the Philosopher's Stone, so I wanted to see if it was valuable. It was mentioned in passing, but who knows. It may help us get our bodies back or understand Marina better."
Ed nodded and flopped back into the bed. He couldn't shake the weird look on her face as she went to bed. She had been acting kind of strange since they got there.
"Hey, Al?" Ed asked. Al hummed in response. "Do you think something's... off with Marina?"
"Oh, I forgot!" Al exclaimed. "I meant to tell you about the conversation I had with her." He closed the book and set it aside. Ed turned his head to face his brother.
"What conversation?"
"She told me she knew Tucker and Nina as she knew us."
"Did she now?"
"And she gets a weird feeling when she's around Tucker. She said somethings about him giving off an eerie vibe."
"And what did you say?" Ed asked, sitting up on his elbows.
"I told her we'd keep an eye on him. And that we need his research. Who knows, we may uncover something soon."
"Not to mention the new insight on Marina's necklace," Ed said, fully sitting up. They were quiet as they remembered the dive Marina took, the glow enveloping her stopping her fall.
"It's crazy to think she actually has a Philosopher's Stone, but it seems more and more likely that it's real," Al said. Ed nodded.
They hadn't noticed the footsteps that walked away from the other side of their door.
***
After breakfast, Nina, Alexander, and I took to sunbathing as our activity for the day. We sat under a beautiful grove of oak trees that lined the expanse of her home, taking naps and giggling in the shade. I was awoken about mid-day to a car stopping. When I looked up, I saw the Colonel walk through the gate and up to the front door.
"Nina, stay right here," I said, looking over to the little girl. She was fast asleep, leaning against Alexander, and I smiled as I rose to meet the Colonel. I called out after him before he knocked on the grand doors. Mustang turned, and a small smiled appeared on his face.
"Well, if it isn't Miss Marina. How are you doing? Looks like you've healed up," he said as he descended the stairs to meet me.
"I'm pretty good, thank you. Yeah, I took the bandages off this morning. It was pretty freeing," I chuckled. The bruises healed quite nicely too. I noticed the Colonel had a stack of papers tucked under his right arm. "For the boys?" I asked, gesturing to the pages. He looked down and chuckled.
"No, actually, these are for you."
"For me?" I asked, puzzled. What could he possibly have for me?
"This is a comprised list of all the known Marina's that are citizens of Amestris. I didn't know your last name, so it's quite long, but it's in alphabetical order," he said, handing me the large stack of documents. I realized that I hadn't even mentioned my last name.
"Wayde," I said aloud. "I'm pretty sure it's Wayde."
"Wayde, you say?" Mustang asked, raising a brow. I nodded.
"Do you know any Wayde's?" I asked hopefully, diving into the 'W' section of the notes. There were at least a hundred different names just under that one letter. I pulled about seven pages of tiny-printed names that began with 'W' and held the rest out to Mustang, who was quiet. "Colonel Mustang?"
"Huh? Oh, I apologize," he said, taking the remaining notes. "I was just thinking. I'm afraid I don't know any Wayde's."
"Oh," I said, a little disappointed. I'd give anything to know something about myself. I looked hopefully at the pages. "I'll look over these. Thank you, Colonel."
"Don't mention it," he said, looking about. "Do you know where I could find Tucker? I have a message to relay."
"Last I knew, he was inside."
"Thank you," he said tipping his hat, and with that, he went inside.
I rejoined the sleepy Nina and Alexander and leaned against the big oak tree as I rifled through the notes.
Marina Wax
Marina Way
Marina Wayne
Marina Waylay
Did I miss it? It should be right here, I thought, as I looked over the names again. None of them matched. I sighed deeply and placed the notes next to me. I heard the door and voices. I watched as Mustang left, and Tucker stood at the entrance of his home. He had a hard look on his face like he was clenching his jaw. The look sent shivers down my spine, and I quickly turned away.
***
At dinner, Tucker mentioned something about playing with Nina tomorrow, much to her delight. I'd have to find something else to do, I figured. I excused myself from the table after I finished and went to my room to study the pages again, hoping that I missed my name. There had to be something. I sat on the single bed that was in the room, which was a muted and ugly yellow color. I loved yellow, but this color strayed from the vibrant and rich tone I enjoyed. It looked sad in here, depressed almost.
At least it fits the mood, I thought. I hadn't realized I was crying until a tear hit the paper, alarming me. I furrowed my brows and kept reading the names before and after where mine should have been, willing it to appear. If I wasn't a citizen of Amestris, then who was I? What's going to happen when the military finds out I don't exist on their records? What are Ed and Al going to think? I heard a small knock just outside my door, and I wiped my face furiously and stored the documents under my pillow.
"Come in," I said, adjusting myself. Ed walked through the door. I smiled my best not-sad smile.
"Hey," he said, scratching the back of his head. "I just wanted to let you know that Al and I will probably finish up by tomorrow."
"Oh, really? Uh, well, did any new information come up?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, nothing we didn't already know. There's something more I want to investigate, but after that..." Ed trailed off. "I'm not sure what happens after this if we don't find anything, so I wanted to let you know."
He didn't look me directly in the eyes. Did Mustang already know? He must have checked the records himself by now. Had he told Ed that I wasn't a citizen? I shook the thoughts away.
"I see," I said, looking up at the boy who still avoided my gaze. "Hey, Ed?"
"Hmm?" he hummed, looking up at me finally.
"You guys aren't going to abandon me, are you?"
"Abandon you?" he asked, giving me a quizzical stare. "No, we're not going to abandon you. What brought that on?" I shook my head and smiled slightly.
"Oh, it's nothing," just making sure you'll keep your promise, I thought. "Thanks for letting me know. Goodnight."
"Yeah, goodnight," he was about to shut the door when he poked his head back in. "You can trust us. If you want to talk or anything, we're here." He looked a little embarrassed as he said it. I nodded, and he left.
***
That was weird, Ed thought to himself as he left Marina's room and headed back to his own. When he went to see her, he was simply there to let her know they would be leaving soon. He knew it wasn't that simple, though, and he had a feeling she did too. They found virtually nothing, which meant yet another dead end. Another failure. He was disappointed, to say the least. It seemed like she had just been crying. Was she disappointed too? He assumed she was by that question, not to mention the look on her face. The inquiry had thrown him. Why would they abandon her? He tried to think back to the conversation they had.
I'm not sure what happens after this.
There's something more I want to investigate, but after that...
Wait, did she think that they were going to try to get rid of her after this? Sure, he didn't want to take this assignment, but he wasn't going to disobey orders or break his promise. She knew that, right?
"Damnit," Ed muttered as he turned on his heel. He darted back to Marina's room, about to pound on the door when he heard soft sobs coming through the thick wood. Ed froze.
I didn't cause that, did I? he thought. He pressed his ear against the door as the sobs died down. He considered knocking. Something stopped him. Maybe he felt like he would intrude on a more private moment.
You can trust us. If you want to talk or anything, we're here.
Noiselessly, he started back down the hallway, picturing a crying Marina that laid just beyond the confines of the door. He let out an exasperated sigh. He wondered if when she was ready, she'd take him up on his offer.
***
I couldn't sleep for the life of me. The moonlight glinted through the window and cast mocking shadows across the walls. I had removed the papers from under my pillow and shoved them into my bag in hopes it wouldn't haunt my dreams. But as I tossed and turned, I resigned that I wouldn't sleep much tonight. I sat upright and flung my legs over the side of the bed.
I padded down the hallway aimlessly in my baggy shorts and a flowing light blue t-shirt. It was comforting, sleeping (or rather, avoiding sleep) in clothes gifted to me by Isabelle. I wondered if she was doing alright. I hoped so. I wandered past the library and was on my way to the kitchen, thinking about getting a glass of water when I passed by the lab and noticed that the door was ajar. A small orange glow shone through the crack in the door. I guessed that Tucker was researching. Someone had mentioned his upcoming re-assessment at the dinner table. He must have been working on his project for it. Curiosity got the better of me, and I peeked through the door. From above, I didn't see Tucker at all. I opened the door a little wider and stood at the top of the landing, overlooking the lab. It was eerily quiet.
I guess even the Chimeras need their rest, I thought to myself, gripping the railing. Something churned uneasily in my stomach. I don't know what compelled me, but I descended the stairs and looked in on the cage of the Chimera I encountered before, only it wasn't there. None of the cages had a single Chimera in them. The feeling of unease grew in my gut as I stepped back on a piece of paper. I looked down and noticed a trail of papers all strewn about the room. A bulk of them concentrated around Tucker's desk. I looked at the papers, moving closer to the desk. A few words flashed through my vision as I read.
Talking Chimera. Nina. Philosopher's Stone. Re-assessment. Alexander. Human Transmutation. Marina.
I dropped the papers and felt my heart drop along with them. My head was immediately hammered with a searing migraine, and I cried out in pain. It was as if someone were branding my brain with a hot iron. I dropped to my knees and forgot how to breathe through the pain. I couldn't think or talk or move. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth as disturbing images flashed across my mind. Tucker successfully creating a talking Chimera. Ed, beating his face in. Nina...
I opened my eyes with a jolt, which kickstarted my breathing. Tears had formed at the corners of my eyes as I coughed a few breaths in. The pain in my head began to dissipate, and I was able to get my bearings. I stood, still trembling from what I just saw.
"No," I said, clapping my hands over my mouth. I knew something was off about Tucker. I was right. But I wanted to be wrong. Frantically, I looked around. I was still alone. There may still be time, I thought, as I willed my legs to carry me to the staircase. "I've got to tell Ed and Al." I huffed as I ascended the stairs.
"Tell them what?" a voice called back.
I looked up in horror to see Tucker holding a sleeping Nina with Alexander standing loyally at his side on the top of the landing. My breath caught in my throat as the glasses he wore hid his eyes and instead reflected a terrified vision of myself.
Think! I scolded myself, my thoughts racing. I had to get to them. I had to. Tucker closed the door behind him, and I took a step back. He placed Nina down gently on the landing and looked back to me, still paralyzed with fear. What do I do? I thought desperately. Do I try to run by him? Do I talk through it? Do I scream?
I chose the latter.
"Ed! Al! Help, please!" I screeched. Tucker chuckled. I screamed their names again. "Edward, please! Alphonse!"
His chuckle turned into full-on laughter. It was maniacal, and his body shook violently with each rise and fall of the horrid sound. He descended the stairs slowly toward me, and I backed away. I had run into the wall before long, and I screamed at the top of my lungs.
"No one will hear you. Not here," Tucker said, inching closer. "You think I wouldn't soundproof my lab?"
I turned to run into the main part of the lab, where I hoped to circle him and make a break for it, but he was quick. He snagged the end of my hair before I reached the end of the stairs, and I was thrown down them. My scalp was on fire as I was pulled up and slammed against the wall by my hair. I coughed at the impact as Tucker wrapped a grimy hand around my throat. I clawed at his hand, but it didn't budge. He looked to my collar and shoved his free hand down my shirt. He pulled out my necklace, which glinted in the dingy light of this hellhole. He stared at the shimmering stone, and I tried to kick him in the privates, but he dodged, slamming me harder against the wall. My head hit the hardest, and I could feel a warm liquid begin to run down the back of my neck. My arms were growing weary as my vision spotted, but I kept clawing.
"Let! Go!" I managed.
"So, the brothers were serious. You do have a Philosopher's Stone. Well, not anymore."
"Wait, no!" I pleaded as he lifted the chain, but I was too late.
The necklace did as I feared and choked me. Talk about adding insult to injury. Tucker released me, and I fell in a heap to the ground. I took a greedy breath as the necklace finally released. My body must have gone through too much because as soon as I could breathe, I lost my dinner. I choked on my vomit and attempted to breathe as normally as possible, but Tucker gave me a swift kick to the gut. I rolled out into the open floor of the lab near the cages, gasping.
"So, you can't take your necklace off," Tucker said, standing over me. I didn't answer. He kicked me again, and I gaged, coughing up bile. "That's alright. I still may be able to use it."
"Someone, please," I whimpered as tears welled in my eyes.
"Let's get to work, shall we?"